Main telephone: 1-626-796-1051

Doctors' Comments

"Iontophoresis with tap water is an effective therapy that presumably acts by producing a physical blockage of the sweat ducts at the level of the stratum corneum....A battery-powered iontophoresis unit (Drionic) is available for home use."

"...electrophoresis with tap water may be tried; it's claimed to be an effective way of controlling excessive sweating, often for weeks on end. Battery-operated instruments (General Medical Co.) are available for home use."

Ernst Epstein, M.D. Professor of Dermatology University of California, San Francisco

Psychocutaneous Disease. New York: Gruen & Stratton; p.243.

"Recently an iontophoresis unit has become available for home use at reasonable cost; marketed as Drionic (General Medical Company, Los Angeles, CA) it has gained excellent patient acceptance."

Caroline S. Koblenzer, M.D. Associate Clinical Professor Department of Dermatology School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania

The 1988 Year Book of Dermatology. (edited by Sober & Fitzpatrick) Chicago, IL: Year Book Medical Publisher; p.125.

"The Drionic home-use apparatus seems to be effective in reducing hyperhidrosis, providing a definite inhibitory response by 3 weeks."

"...Includes details on the new Drionic device (battery operated. 7 to 20 ma) now available to the public for home tap water iontophoretic treatment of hyperhidrosis of the palms, soles or axilla. In 10 patients (treated 20 minutes three times a week for two weeks) sweating was reduced for up to six weeks."

"Older [pediatric] patients may use tap water iontophoresis with new [Drionic] portable delivery systems."

Robert Silverman, M.D. Assistant Professor Dept. of Dermatology & Pediatrics Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Director, Dept. of Pediatric Dermatology University Hospital of Cleveland

"Iontophoresis (the application of low-level electric current to the surface of the skin) results in reduced production of sweat at that site. A battery-operated device conforming to the shape of the treated area, using tap water—wetted pads in contact with the skin of the palms, soles, or axilla, is available for patient self use....95% of patients showed improvement in 2 weeks, and 86% remained improved at 6 weeks."

"Until recently, iontophoresis could be performed only in the dermatologist's office, a clinic, or a hospital and required the use of expensive equipment; further, multiple patient visits were required. Now, however, relatively inexpensive home units are available. A few years ago, Drionic, a home iontophoresis device, was introduced in the United States. It consists of a battery-powered generator that acts as a source of electric current. The current is delivered to the affected area through water saturated wool pads suspended in small plastic boxes. Early reports concerning the success of this product for reducing excessive sweating have been encouraging."